I have an 8 month old Staffie x lab which is more Lab than Staffie. She was abused (tied up and left alone outside by first owner) then surendered to the pound. She is a fantastic dog who I have no major worries about except her want/need to climb all over me. I amy be sat on the longe and she will climb not only on my lap but try to sit on my shoulder or push her head in to my body. She has only ever tried the dominance thing of humping with me once which I sternly put a stop to. Any ideas on why she does this. Is it another dominance thing or is she just after the affection she never got when she was a small pup (she is almost 23 kilos now so quite heavy) She actually climbs on my knee (whole family' s actually) faces forwards and wraps her paws around our shoulders and pushes in close. Kinda like a cuddle/hug. She does not nip/bite/chew or hump while doing this
Your thoughts very much appreciated thanks
2007-03-08 23:59:33 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
It could be a little of both affection and dominance. I would address it like you would address her jumping up on your or something. Either ignore the behavior (easy when you are standing much harder when you are sitting) or get up and leave the room where she can not follow. It will teach her that the behavior is unacceptable to you. Don't just let her crawl all over you. Stern no's work too. Puppies would learn this from older dogs in the pack around 4 months of age. The older dogs growl and snap when their boundries have been broken. Sounds like she just wasn't socialized as a puppy and didn't learn that lesson. If you think she is being dominent to you, lay her down on her back or her side and stand over her. You must not let her up until she calms down (VERY IMPORTANT!) Don't push her into the ground just hold her there. If she squirms and crys and then you let her up it just teaches her to do that to get her way.
Good luck!
2007-03-09 00:54:14 · answer #1 · answered by liese513 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to use some control....no dog should approach you and demand attention. This is a dominance issue. She has put you into the role of sub-ordinate and what she wants is the rule.
You have to get ver the fact that she was abused. Your manifesting her behaviour. You are sending out the signal of "OH, poor Girl!" and she is reading it as you are weak, therefore I must lead.. Our languages are different. She probably has no desire to be leader, as most dogs are followers. But being a canine, she is pushed to fill the role as alpha. This has made her unsure, skittish and obsessive in her actions (Demanding to sit on you?)
You have to start from the beginng. Not be harsh, but to set the ground rules. Obed. training basics....ignore her demands. When she starts wanting to sit on you, get up, walk into another room, close the door. Do not look her in the eye or acknowledge her. Later, walk out, still ignoring her, but call her to YOU, make her sit stay...then praise her.
You have to put yourself (everyone else to) as above her.
Pick up Jan Fennels Book, The Dog Listener...
2007-03-09 02:29:23 · answer #2 · answered by Tracey A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She is a teenager now being a little pushy and demanding and partly has not learned manners, and part of the behaviour relates to dominance(especially when she wants to be ontop of you) much like towering over another dog as a display of dominance.
A good idea would be to start Nothing in Life is Free(NILIF) training with her
The following link explains why, what and how
http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm
2007-03-09 01:59:33 · answer #3 · answered by OntarioGreys 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi ,
Well why don't you read this guide , its awesome , it will help you learn to train dogs by yourself , its a really professional training http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/?aff=basimdcs , Hope this helps you
2007-03-10 09:34:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋